Continuous rod warhead

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a continuous rod warhead of more efficient design than previously devised warheads of this type. Its novel features include advanced casing and forward cover plate designs, a new weld for the rod ends, and more effective means for assuring good rod motion and continuity. The case is designed to take the combined axial and longitudinal warhead load in flight, through the cover employed, and the forward plate functions to mount the safety and arming mechanism in place and to provide a temperature barrier to prevent excessive heating or melting of the high explosive during flight toward a target of a missile containing the warhead. Rod motion and continuity control is effected by an improved filter and spacing arrangement and by a hinge weld of advanced design.

United States Patent Nooker et al.

[ 51 Sept. 12, 1972 [541 CONTINUOUS ROD WARHEAD [72] Inventors: Eugene L. Nooker, Silver Spring; Luther G. Thompson, Gaithersburg, both of Mid; Glenn E. Varney, Cincinnati, Ohio; Victor J. Dietz, Silver Spring, Md.

[73] Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy [22] Filed: Aug. 30, 1967 [21] Appl. No.: 666,543

521 US. Cl .....1o2/67 [51] Int. Cl. ..F42b 13/18 [58] Field of Search ..102/56, 67, 64, 65

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,276,434 8/1918 Steinmetz ..102/64 2,693,147 11/1954 Johnson ..102/8 3,160,099 12/1964 Nooker........................102/67 3,223,037 12/1965 Nooker et a1 ..102/67 3,228,336 1/1966 Kempton ..l02/67 3,249,050 5/1966 Cordle et al. 102/67 3,298,309 1/1967 Philipchuk...................102/67 3,320,888 5/ 1967 Churchill 102/67 Primary Examiner-Merlin R. Pendegrass Attorney-Justin P. Dunlavey and John O. Tresansky ABSTRACT The present invention is a continuous rod warhead of more efficient design than previously devised warheads of this type. Its novel features include advanced casing and forward cover plate designs, a new weld for the rod ends, and more effective means for assuring good rod motion and continuity.

improved filter and spacing arrangement and by a hinge weld of advanced design.

16 Claims, 9 Drawing figures PA'TENTEI'IsEP 12 m2 SHEEI 1 BF 4 PATENTEI'JsEP 12 m2 INVENTORS EUGENE L. NOOKER LUTHER G. THOMPSON GLENN E. VARNEY VICTOR J. DIETZ PAIENTEB sir 12 m2 SHEET 3 OF 4 INVENTORS EUGENE L. NOOKER LUTHER G. THOMPSON GLENN E. VARNEY VICTOR J. DIETZ continuous ROD WARHEAD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the subject matter disclosed in the following US. Pat. Nos:

3,160,099 E. L. Nooker 3,2l8,976 E. L. Nooker 3,223,036 Robert Anspach 3,223,037 E. L. Nooker et a]. 3,224,37l Kempton and Nooker 3,224,372 E. L. Nooker DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to warheads for aerial missiles. More particularly it relates to an improved warhead of the continuous rod type.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a continuous rod warhead which will be more efficient, in terms of lethality per unit volume and unit weight, than warheads of this type in use up to the present time.

As another object, the invention contemplates the use of better, more efficient means for preventing heat, impinging on the surface of a missile in supersonic flight, from melting the explosive charge in the warhead and thus causing it to fail to detonate.

Another object of the invention is to provide a continuous rod warhead wherein the casing employed utilizes an arrangement of filters and spaces which, with the improved rod hinges and the configuration of the rods themselves, will control rod motion following detonation of the explosive charge and thus assure rod continuity and minimum breakageduring expansion of the projectile into a continuous ring.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision, in a continuous rod warhead, of an improved forward cover plate which will support the combined radial and longitudinal warhead loads during missile flight, mount the warhead inner liner and safety and arming device in place, and serve as a temperature barrier to prevent melting of the explosive charge during missile flight.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an axial section of the continuous rod warhead of the present invention, portions of the missile in which the warhead is mounted and the safety and arming device employed being shown in elevation;

FIG. 2 is a front end view showing particularly the end plate and clamping ring structure;

FIG. 3 is a detail section on the line 33 of FIG. 2, illustrating how the clamping ring secures the warhead in place in the missile;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail sectional view on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail side elevation, partly in section, showing two companion rod elements of the double layer projectile and their connecting hinge in their proper relation to the projectile casing, and, in particular, illustrating the spacing between the rod layers;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing spacers between the rod elements, according to a modification of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a pair of rOd elements and showing in section portions of ballast bands employed, in accordance with a further modification of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic view showing the metallurgical structure of one of the hinges; and

FIG. 9 is a chart showing the condition of Rockwell B hardness of the rod hinges prior and subsequent to the annealing of said hinges.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Briefly, the warhead of the present invention is of the high explosive continuous rod type and is designed for use with guided missiles. The forward end of the warhead is fitted with a locking ring having cam surfaces which, when the ring is secured in place against a forward cover plate, engage fixed pins that extend inwardly from the warhead section of the missile to lock the warhead tightly in position. The aft end of the warhead is provided with a plurality of asymmetrically positioned pins which engage in apertured lugs that extend inwardly from the aft end of the warhead section to accept torsional load during missile flight.

The warhead includes a casing in which is mounted the explosive charge, and a multi-layer rod projectile that surrounds the casing on its outer cylindrical surface. Mounted axially of the casing and spaced from the charge by a liner are safety and arming and booster units of conventional design. The forward cover plate holds the safety and arming device and liner in place and, being partly formed of a heat insulating material, isolates the explosive charge from excessive heat and thus prevents melting of said charge during missile flight.

Referring to the drawings in more detail and first to FIGS. 1 through 4 thereof, a portion of the outer body or "skin of a missile is shown at 10. The aft portion of the forward end of the missile is shown at l 1. Near the forward end 11 the missile body is provided with an inwardly directed flange l2, and mounted in spaced relation to the flange forwardly thereof and spaced about the missile body are studs 13, two of which are shown in FIG. 1. Formed on the body aft of the flange l2 and directed inwardly are aft mounting lugs 14, each of which is formed with an opening 15 to receive the aft mounting pins of the warhead, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. As will be clearly seen in FIG. 1, the flange 12 and the lugs 14 define generally the limits of a warhead compartment 16 within the missile body.

The warhead is shown generally at 18 and is of cylindrical shape. The warhead 18 comprises a casing 20 which includes forward and aft mounting rings 21 and 22, an aft end plate 23, a cylindrical side wall 24 which is of steel and defines a filter (for a purpose to be described hereinafter), and a forward wall 25 of Neoprene. A forward cover plate 26 and a locking ring 27, both of which will be described in more detail hereinafter, function to secure the warhead in place in the warhead compartment 16. Surrounding the side wall 24 between the forward and aft mounting rings 21 and 22 is a projectile rod bundle or mat 28 which will also be described in detail hereinafter.

Formed axially of the casing and extending throughout its length is an axial opening 30 which is defined by a relatively thin inner wall 32 and a relatively thick booster housing 33 which is secured to the inner wall near the aft end of the warhead. A liner 34 surrounds the inner wall and booster housing. The inner wall 32 and booster housing 33 are preferably formed of steel and the liner of sponge rubber. Mounted within the axial opening 30 and extending throughout the length of the warhead 18 is a safety and arming unit 35 which has a booster unit 36 coupled thereto. The safety and arming and booster units are of conventional design and form no part of the present invention, except to the extent that they are adapted for use therewith. The interior of the warhead is filled with a suitable high explosive 38.

The structure employed for securing the warhead 18 within the compartment 16 will now be described. First, with reference to the aft end of the warhead, the aft mounting ring 22 is provided with brackets 40 on which are mounted pins 41 which have conical free end portions. The pins engage in the openings in the lugs 14 and securely anchor the aft end of the warhead in the missile against torsional loads during missile flight.

The forward end of the warhead is secured in place by structure including the forward cover plate 26 and the locking ring 27. The plate 26 is formed of a suitable plastic material and thus isolates the high explosive 38 from heat, generated by the missile in flight, which would otherwise cause said explosive to melt. The cover plate 26 has secured thereto an anchoring ring 42 which overlaps the rim of said plate and engages the flange 12. The anchoring ring is best shown in FIG. 3 and can conveniently be attached to the cover plate by rivets, one of which is shown at 43. The cover plate 26 is secured to the forward end of the warhead casing by screws 44 which pass through the anchoring ring 42, said cover plate, the forward wall 25, a flange 45 on the forward mounting ring 21, and into backing strips 46 on said flange 45.

As bestseen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, there is formed in the cover plate axially thereof an opening 47 formed in the forward surface of said plate and communicating with the opening is a generally elliptical recess 48 having opposed arcuate extensions 49 therein. The opening 47 receives therethrough the safety and arming unit 35 and its booster unit 36, the safety and arming unit being provided with an elliptical mounting plate 50 which seats in the recess 48 when in operative position. Bolts 51, which pass through the cover plate 26 and are threaded into an attaching ring 52 on the forward end of the inner wall 32 of the casing 20, secure the axial portion of the cover plate 26 to the warhead casing 20. To retain the safety and arming unit 35 in place on the cover plate 26 with the mounting plate 50in the recess 48, mounting bolts 53 are passed through the arcuate extensions 49, through said cover plate and are threaded into the attaching ring 52. Prior to installation of the safety and arming unit 35 the mounting bolts 53 are extended forwardly, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1, so that their heads will extend beyond the heads of the bolts 51. The elliptical mounting plate 50, which is welded or otherwise suitably secured to the safety and arming unit to close the forward end thereof, is, as best seen in FlG. 2, formed with diametrically opposed arcuate slots 54.

During installation of the safety and arming unit 35 said unit is first oriented so that, as it is moved through the opening 47 in the cover plate 26, the mounting plate 50 will clear the heads of the mounting bolts 53. The unit is then partially rotated until said bolts are engaged in the slots 54, when the unit is moved into operative position with the mounting plate in the recess 48. The mounting bolts 53 are then tightened for securely attaching the unit 35 to the cover plate. The booster unit 36 fits snugly within the booster housing 33.

The structure for mounting the warhead 18 in the compartment 16 in the missile body 10 includes the locking ring 27 and spaced clamps 55. The locking ring 27 is provided at its outer rim with spaced flanges 56 having forwardly projecting cam elements 57 thereon. Inwardly of the cam elements the ring 27 is provided with arcuate slots 58 which receive locking bolts 59 which have externally threaded heads for engagement by suitable missile handling tools. The clamps 55, which, as shown in FIG. 2, are three in number, are secured to enlarged portions 60 on the anchoring ring 42 by bolts 61.

When installing the warhead 18 in the compartment 16, said warhead is first moved into position in said compartment with the outer lip of the anchoring ring in engagement with the flange 12. The locking ring 27 is then moved into place, being first oriented so that the flanges 56 will clear the studs 13. When in place in engagement with the outer surface of the forward cover plate 26, the locking ring is rotated for engaging the cam elements 57 with the studs 13, when the locking bolts 59 are tightened for securing the ring in place. The clamps 55 are then installed. As best seen in FIG. I, the clamps 55 are each undercut to define flanges 62 which engage the inner margin of the locking ring 27 and, when the bolts 61 are tightened, provide additional means for securing said ring in place.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the forward cover plate 26 and the locking ring 27 cooperate with the studs 13 and the flange 12 for securely mounting the forward end of the warhead in the compartment 16. The aft end of the warhead is mounted in place by the pins 41 which engage in the aft mounting lugs 4.

With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the construction and arrangement of the projectile rod bundle or mat 28 will now be described in detail. The projectile rod bundle consists of inner and outer rod elements 64 and 65 connected at their alternate opposite ends by welded hinges 66, in the manner shown and described in U. S. Pat. No. 3,223,036. As shown in FIG. 5, which is an enlarged view with dimensions exaggerated, the inner rod elements have their end portions spaced varying distances from the outer rod elements. That is, adjacent the hinges 66, the rod elements are spaced, say, 0.002 inch apart for a relatively short distance, and beyond this 0.002 inch spaced portion the rod elements are spaced, say, 0.006 inch apart for a distance equivalent to substantially one-third the lengths of said elements from each of the ends thereof. To effect this spacing the outer rod elements are deformed outwardly.

Surrounding the projectile rod bundle and having its opposite end portions overlying the outer rims of the forward and aft mounting rings 21 and 22 is a preferably steel stress skin 67. inwardly of the stress skin 67 and between said stress skin and the thickened midportions of the rod elements are relatively wide and relatively narrow steel ballast bands 68 and 69, respectively. The areas bounded by the outer stress skin 67, the ballast bands, the mounting rings 21 and 22, and the opposite end portions of the outer rod elements is filled with a plastic material, such as Laminac, shown at 70. Surrounding the warhead casing between the steel filter defined by the side wall 24 and the inner rod elements 64 is a second filter 71 which is made of plastic (such as acetate).

When the warhead 18 is exploded, as by the action of a proximity fuze (not shown) as the missile nears a target, the explosive 38 will cause the rod bundle or mat 28 to be projected in the form of a continuous ring, in the manner shown and described in U. S. Pat. No. 3,224,371. More specifically, detonation of the explosive 38, by the booster unit 36, will apply explosive forces uniformly along the entire length of the projectile due to the action of the steel filter 24 and the acetate filter 71, the spacing and contouring of the rod elements, the hinge design, and the action of the ballast bands 68 and 69 and the stress skin 67. The filters serve to attenuate the peak of the stress wave, to reduce rod hardening which would inhibit rod bending about the hinges and result in an irregular pattern with consequent rod breakage. The filters also reduce spalling, i.e., excessive separation of the layers which would contribute to rod breakage.

Rod contouring, i.e., the thickening of the midportions of the outer rods, combined with the ballast bands, increases the rod mass in the central region where the explosive forces of the warhead are greatest, with the result that the end portions of the rods will project uniformly with the central portions thereof. Rod bending will thus be further reduced and more metal will be placed on the target. Rod contouring (combined with the ballast bands) also serves to lessen rod layer separation.

The rod spacing arrangement shown in FIG. 5, wherein no spacers are used, approaches the ideal, but is difficult to manufacture. Accordingly, the structure shown in FIG. 6 was devised. The reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 through 5 have also been used in FIG. 6, to the extent appropriate. In FIG. 6 an inner rod element is shown at 73 and an outer rod element at 74, said elements being connected at their corresponding end portions by a welded hinge 75. Except for the spacing arrangement and the contouring of the rod elements, the rod bundle or mat is identical to that of the first described embodiment of the invention.

Surrounding the acetate filter 71 near the inner extremity of the hinge 75 is a preferably plastic spacer ring 76. A similar spacer ring 77 is fitted between the rod elements substantially medially of their ends. Although only one spacer ring 76 is shown in FIG. 6, i.e., near corresponding ends of the rod elements 73 and 74, it should be understood that a similar spacer ring is used near the opposite corresponding ends of said elements. The spacer rings 76 function to space the corresponding end portions of the rod elements from the acetate filter 71 whereas the spacer ring 77 serves to space the midportions of the rod elements from each other. If desired, the spacer rings 76 may be omitted and only the spacer ring 77 employed.

From a close scrutiny of the rod elements in FIG. 6 it will be seen that the inner rod 73 is deformed inwardly. The outer rod is thickened at its midportion, as in FIG. 6. As in the first described embodiment of the invention, the arrangement of the projectile rod bundle shown in FIG. 6, with the spacers 76 and 77 in place, serves to insure that the overall rod length will be projected uniformly along the entire length of the projectile, due to the spacing of the rods (by said spacers) and the action of the filters 24 and 70, the hinge design, the ballast bands and stress skin, and the thickening of the midportions of the outer rod elements.

In lieu of rod contouring, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, multiple ballast bands may be used to increase the thickness of the projectile about its midportion and thus insure uniform projection of the rods. Such structure is shown in FIG. 7, wherein a rod bundle is shown at 80. The rod bundle 80 is similar to the rod bundle shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the spacers and associated structure having been omitted for clarity. Surrounding the rod mat is a plurality of preferably steel bands, shown generally at 81. The bands are arranged concentrically and stepped in width, the widest being positioned next to the outer rod element of the bundle and the narrowest being positioned outermost. The widest, and innermost band, extends from the midpoint of the rod bundle almost to the opposite ends thereof whereas the outermost band surrounds substantially the midportion of the bundle. Although five of the bands are shown, it should be understood that a larger or smaller number may be used if desired. Upon detonation of a warhead utilizing the structure of FIG. 7, the bands 81 will function to slow the projection of the midportions of the rod elements, for assuring that the end portions thereof will project uniformly therewith. The bands will, of course, fracture into relatively small fragments and thus contribute to the lethal effect of the projectile on the target.

In order to attain this more efiicient warhead, an improvement in the detailed characteristics of the hinge weld is needed. This improvement consists of a particular mechanical property variation (such as hardness, shown in FIG. 9) over the hinge length, combined with the associated metallurgical variation (FIG. 8). That is, to reduce hinge rod breakage, a varying combination of strength, ductility, and hardness is required as the hinge joint opens.

In FIG. 8 there is shown the metallurgical structure of the weld that constitutes one of the hinges 66. In this view the following table shows the range of grain conditions necessary for an acceptable hinge weld.

Zones ASTM Grain No. Description A B and Smaller recrystallized ferrite grains 8 7-8 recrystallized ferrite grains C 4-6 recrystallized ferrite grains D 6-8 recrystallised ferrite grains B 6-7 recrystallized ferrite grains F 6-7 recrystallized ferrite grains G 3-6 approaching cut ferrite I-I 5-7 cold worked grains; as

I received bar stock J 6-8 recrystallized ferrite grains Zone G is the area surrounding an originally separate shim (not shown). It has been heated to or nearly to the melting point and complete fusion takes place. No evidence of original interface boundaries should be present in Zone B, and in Zone A interface boundaries may exist overno more than 50 percent of the length of said zone, distributed intermittently.

FIG. 9 is a chart showing Rockwell B hardness of the rod end portions in the area of the rod hinge before and after annealing has been affected.

Modifications and variations of the invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. it should therefore be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

l. A continuous rod warhead comprising, in combination with an aerial missile having a warhead compartment,

a casing having a side wall and forward and aft end walls, said side wall defining a filter,

a multi-layer projectile rod bundle surrounding the casing,

an explosive casing,

a second filter between the projectile rod bundle and the side wall,

means secured to the forward end wall for insulating the casing from heat developed by the missile flight,

means cooperating with said insulating means and said missile for locking the warhead in the compartment, and,

means on the warhead and on the missile for securing the aft end of the warhead against rotation in the compartment,

said filters filtering the peak of the stress wave produced upon detonation of the explosive, whereby rod hardening and separation of rod layers will be reduced.

2. The combination recited in claim I, wherein said missile is provided with an inwardly directed flange and studs at the forward end of the warhead compartment and with aft mounting lugs at the aft end of said compartment, said aft mounting lugs having openings therein, and wherein said second mentioned means comprises a locking ring having cam elements, said locking ring and cam elements engaging said flange and said studs, respectively, and wherein said last mentioned means comprises brackets having pins engageable in the openings in said aft mounting lugs.

3. The combination recited in claim I, wherein the casing is formed with an axial opening, and including a safety and arming unit and a booster unit mounted in the opening.

4. The combination recited in claim 2, wherein said first mentioned means comprises a cover plate having an anchoring ring engaging the inwardly directed flange and said second mentioned means comprises a locking ring engaging said anchoring ring, said locking ring having cam elements engaging said studs.

5. The combination recited in claim 4, including additionally spaced clamps on the anchoring ring and engageable with the locking ring for securing the same in a locked position.

6. In a continuous rod warhead, a casing having a cylindrical side wall and forward and aft end walls,

said side wall defining a filter,

forward and aft mounting rings on the casing,

a projectile rod bundle surrounding the casing between the mounting rings,

' a second filter between the rod bundle and the cylindrical side wall,

said rod bundle comprising inner and outer layers of rod elements connected at their opposite corresponding ends, the rod elements of the outermost layer being thickened from their opposite ends toward their midportions for defining annular spaces about the rod bundle between said midportions and said opposite ends,

concentrically arranged ballast bands surrounding the rod bundle medially of its ends,

an explosive in the casing,

a stress skin surrounding the rod bundle and engaging the forward and aft mountings rings,

a filler material filling the annular spaces,

and a cover plate engaging the forward end wall,

the rod elements of the inner layer being spaced from those of the outer layer near their midportions to prevent premature rod separation upon detonation of the explosive.

7. The invention as recited in claim 6, including addi tionally means mounted on the cover plate and cooperating therewith for mounting the warhead in a missile.

8. The invention as recited in claim 6, including additionally spacer rings mounted between the inner layer of rod elements and the second filter, and a spacer ring mounted between the inner and outer layers of rod elements near the midportions thereof.

9. The invention as recited in claim 6, including additionally a plurality of bands surrounding rod bundle said bands being arranged concentrically and stepped in width.

10. In a continuous rod warhead,

a casing having a side wall,

an explosive in the casing,

a projectile rod bundle surrounding the casing a forward cover plate secured to the casing,

and a locking ring secured to the cover plate and cooperating therewith for securing the warhead in an aerial missile,

said forward cover plate being formed of heat insulating material, whereby the explosive will be protected from the effects of heat impinging on the warhead.

11. A continuous rod warhead as recited in claim 10,

including additionally,

filter means between the explosive and the projectile rod bundle,

said filter means reducing the peak of the stress wave upon detonation of the explosive.

12. In a continuous rod warhead,

a casing,

a projectile rod bundle surrounding the casing and comprising inner and outer layers of rod elements, the rod elements of the inner layer being connected with those of the outer layer at their opposite corresponding ends, the rod elements of the inner layer having thickened midportions, and being spaced from the rod elements of the outer layer at points between their midportions and their opposite ends,

a spacer ring surrounding the casing between the midportions of the inner and outer layers of rod elements,

and a spacer ring between said casing and the inner rod elements and in close spaced relation to each of the opposite ends of said inner rod elements.

13. A continuous rod warhead as recited in claim 12, including a filter surrounding the casing between said casing and said inner rod elements.

14. A continuous rod warhead as recited in claim 12, wherein the spacing between the rod elements of the inner layer and those of the outer layer is relatively narrow adjacent their corresponding opposite end portions and relatively wide near their midportions.

15. A continuous rod warhead recited in claim 13, including additionally a ballast band surrounding the casing about the outer layer of rod elements, and a stress skin surrounding the ballast band and said outer layer of rod elements.

16. In a continuous rod warhead, a hinge weld having inner and outer ends and having multiple regions of relative hardness near the outer end of said weld, and a region of relative softness near the inner end of said weld and contiguous with certain of said regions of relative hardness, the region between said relatively hard and relatively soft regions being of varying ductility, the metallurgical structure of the relatively soft region being of ASTM number 8 grain size and the structure of the relatively hard regions varying from ASTM number 3 to ASTM number 8 grain size. 

1. A continuous rod warhead comprising, in combination with an aerial missile having a warhead compartment, a casing having a side wall and forward and aft end walls, said side wall defining a filter, a multi-layer projectile rod bundle surrounding the casing, an explosive casing, a second filter between the projectile rod bundle and the side wall, means secured to the forward end wall for insulating the casing from heat developed by the missile flight, means cooperating with said insulating means and said missile for locking the warhead in the compartment, and, means on the warhead and on the missile for securing the aft end of the warhead against rotation in the compartment, said filters filtering the peak of the stress wave produced upon detonation of the explosive, whereby rod hardening and separation of rod layers will be reduced.
 2. The combination recited in claim 1, wherein said missile is provided with an inwardly directed flange and studs at the forward end of the warhead compartment and with aft mounting lugs at the aft end of said compartment, said aft mounting lugs having openings therein, and wherein said second mentioned means comprises a locking ring having cam elements, said locking ring and cam elements engaging said flange and said studs, respectively, and wherein said last mentioned means comprises brackets having pins engageable in the openings in said aft mounting lugs.
 3. The combination recited in claim 1, wherein the casing is formed with an aXial opening, and including a safety and arming unit and a booster unit mounted in the opening.
 4. The combination recited in claim 2, wherein said first mentioned means comprises a cover plate having an anchoring ring engaging the inwardly directed flange and said second mentioned means comprises a locking ring engaging said anchoring ring, said locking ring having cam elements engaging said studs.
 5. The combination recited in claim 4, including additionally spaced clamps on the anchoring ring and engageable with the locking ring for securing the same in a locked position.
 6. In a continuous rod warhead, a casing having a cylindrical side wall and forward and aft end walls, said side wall defining a filter, forward and aft mounting rings on the casing, a projectile rod bundle surrounding the casing between the mounting rings, a second filter between the rod bundle and the cylindrical side wall, said rod bundle comprising inner and outer layers of rod elements connected at their opposite corresponding ends, the rod elements of the outermost layer being thickened from their opposite ends toward their midportions for defining annular spaces about the rod bundle between said midportions and said opposite ends, concentrically arranged ballast bands surrounding the rod bundle medially of its ends, an explosive in the casing, a stress skin surrounding the rod bundle and engaging the forward and aft mountings rings, a filler material filling the annular spaces, and a cover plate engaging the forward end wall, the rod elements of the inner layer being spaced from those of the outer layer near their midportions to prevent premature rod separation upon detonation of the explosive.
 7. The invention as recited in claim 6, including additionally means mounted on the cover plate and cooperating therewith for mounting the warhead in a missile.
 8. The invention as recited in claim 6, including additionally spacer rings mounted between the inner layer of rod elements and the second filter, and a spacer ring mounted between the inner and outer layers of rod elements near the midportions thereof.
 9. The invention as recited in claim 6, including additionally a plurality of bands surrounding rod bundle said bands being arranged concentrically and stepped in width.
 10. In a continuous rod warhead, a casing having a side wall, an explosive in the casing, a projectile rod bundle surrounding the casing a forward cover plate secured to the casing, and a locking ring secured to the cover plate and cooperating therewith for securing the warhead in an aerial missile, said forward cover plate being formed of heat insulating material, whereby the explosive will be protected from the effects of heat impinging on the warhead.
 11. A continuous rod warhead as recited in claim 10, including additionally, filter means between the explosive and the projectile rod bundle, said filter means reducing the peak of the stress wave upon detonation of the explosive.
 12. In a continuous rod warhead, a casing, a projectile rod bundle surrounding the casing and comprising inner and outer layers of rod elements, the rod elements of the inner layer being connected with those of the outer layer at their opposite corresponding ends, the rod elements of the inner layer having thickened midportions, and being spaced from the rod elements of the outer layer at points between their midportions and their opposite ends, a spacer ring surrounding the casing between the midportions of the inner and outer layers of rod elements, and a spacer ring between said casing and the inner rod elements and in close spaced relation to each of the opposite ends of said inner rod elements.
 13. A continuous rod warhead as recited in claim 12, including a filter surrounding the casing between said casing and said inner rod elements.
 14. A continuous rod warhead as recited in claim 12, wherEin the spacing between the rod elements of the inner layer and those of the outer layer is relatively narrow adjacent their corresponding opposite end portions and relatively wide near their midportions.
 15. A continuous rod warhead recited in claim 13, including additionally a ballast band surrounding the casing about the outer layer of rod elements, and a stress skin surrounding the ballast band and said outer layer of rod elements.
 16. In a continuous rod warhead, a hinge weld having inner and outer ends and having multiple regions of relative hardness near the outer end of said weld, and a region of relative softness near the inner end of said weld and contiguous with certain of said regions of relative hardness, the region between said relatively hard and relatively soft regions being of varying ductility, the metallurgical structure of the relatively soft region being of ASTM number 8 grain size and the structure of the relatively hard regions varying from ASTM number 3 to ASTM number 8 grain size. 